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Here's to healthy eating

Posted: July 18, 2013 - 1:42pm

Clarion editorial

We reported some exciting news this week, that a young Alaskan chef, Rowan Bean, a 9-year-old from Seward, had been selected to join First Lady Michelle Obama for the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Kid’s State Dinner.

As impressive as it was for Bean to be selected for her recipe submission — Alaska rockfish and spot prawn ceviche with mango — we’re just as excited to see a family working together to develop a healthy dish. Bringing everyone to the table to plan the family meal is a great way to also encourage everyone to come to the table to enjoy it together. Share in the meal preparation, too — it’s a great opportunity for bonding. Bean may have a little bit of an advantage as her father is a professional chef, but with all the cook books, cooking websites and cooking TV shows, you don’t have to go too far to find some culinary inspiration.

For starters, check out some of the other winning recipes from the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge at http://www.recipechallenge.epicurious.com. In addition to Bean’s ceviche, you can find chili with zucchini cornbread, spinach frittatas, Asian fajitas, and more — our mouth is watering already.

A tasty, healthy meal doesn’t have to be complicated or require a lot of expensive ingredients, though — foodies around the world are salivating over the fresh salmon we have easy access to, and with fresh seafood, often the simplest recipes are the best.

We know it’s a little hectic right now, but taking the time to plan a meal and then enjoy it together is worth the time and effort. Bon appétit!